Six Russian Tourists Die as Red Sea Submarine Sinks Near Hurghada

A tourist submarine, with 45 Russian vacationers and five Egyptian crew members on board, sank near the Red Sea resort of Hurghada on Thursday. Authorities have confirmed that six people lost their lives in the incident. Rescue teams managed to save 39 passengers, and no one is reported missing.

The submarine, named Sindbad, went down roughly one kilometer from shore in calm weather with clear visibility. The cause remains unclear, and an investigation is ongoing. Russia’s consulate in Hurghada said survivors were taken to hospitals or hotels.

The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, offered dives up to 25 meters (82 feet) to view coral reefs and marine life. Hurghada, located 460 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Cairo, is a top destination for Russian tourists and others drawn to Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

The area has faced multiple safety incidents recently, including a capsized dive boat in November 2023 that left four dead and seven missing. Last June, French tourists escaped a sinking boat during a storm, and a 2023 yacht fire killed three British nationals.

In spite of these setbacks, Egypt remains the leading tourist destination in Africa, pulling in a $14.1 billion in 2023 twice the revenue of the Suez Canal, as reported by the UN.